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Some tenants let their balconies become a tangle of stored bicycles, boxes and items that don't fit inside. But it's a shame to let your little patch of fresh air go to waste. If you live in a high-rise apartment building, you can turn your balcony into your own little retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Fill your balcony with growing things, comfortable seating and a bit of decor, and it will become your favorite spot to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Seating

Even a small balcony can fit one chair. If your high-rise building has larger balconies, it's nice to have an extra spot for a friend to sit and chat. If you've always loved the look of country porches, capture the essence with an outdoor rocking chair. Choose durable furniture made from real or faux wicker, heavy resin or wrought iron. Make the seats comfortable with outdoor cushions in a cheerful print. You can find a wide assortment at home improvement centers.

Other Furnishings

Once you have a chair or two, you can add to the inviting style of your high-rise balcony with a small table. If you want an intimate, charming look, pick a bistro table that matches your chairs. Create a country look with a small, wooden stand, or a Mediterranean theme with a tiny, mosaic-topped table. Dress up the floor with an area rug designed for outdoor use. If you desire privacy and your building permits it, hang outdoor roll-up blinds to block out the neighbors' view.

Plants

No balcony is complete without potted plants. Use railing brackets to attach planters filled with trailing geraniums, verbena or lantana. Fill a corner with a large pot of bright annual flowers. If you are above the second or third floor, wind can be hard on hanging baskets, so keep them under the balcony's overhang. If your space is large enough, you can even plant a small tree in a large container, but be aware of any weight limits recommended by the building's management. Drip trays under your pots will prevent puddles or stains on the ground, and some buildings require them.

Accessories

Finish your little sanctuary with a few pieces that can withstand the elements. Hang some wind chimes if they won't disturb neighbors. Use masonry hooks to hang outdoor artwork. Set a few plaster or wrought iron bunny figurines around your pots, or show off one or two garden gnomes. If you have the space, and the high-rise permits it, set a small hibachi barbecue at one side of the balcony for grilling burgers or fish. Typically, apartment balconies don't have outlets, but if your balcony receives plenty of sunlight, solar lights let you enjoy the space after dark. If the balcony is shaded, you can still light it up with a battery-powered lantern, or even a grouping of candles.

About the Author

Living in California, Michelle Ullman is a professional writer with particular expertise in home, garden and pet/nature topics. Her work is published on many websites. She loves crafts and has a deep interest in design and DIY projects.